Trending Now - Consumer Reports Finds Heavy Metals in Baby Formulas

WHO:

Consumer Reports (nonprofit consumer advocacy organization)

Sana Mujahid (manager of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports)

Abbott Nutrition (manufacturer of Similac and EleCare)

Mead Johnson (manufacturer of Enfamil and PurAmino)

Perrigo (manufacturer of store-brand formulas including Kirkland Signature, Member’s Mark, Parent’s Choice, Up&Up, Dr. Brown’s, and Earth’s Best)

Sen. Gary Peters (Michigan)

Danone (parent company of Happy Baby Organics and Nutricia)

Kendal Nutricare (manufacturer of Kendamil milk-based formula)

Nannycare (producer of goat milk formula in New Zealand)

Sprout Organic (Australian manufacturer)

Bobbie (infant formula brand)

Jovie (European goat milk formula manufacturer)

Nestlé (infant formula producer)

WHAT:

Consumer Reports tested 49 powdered, liquid, and alternative protein and hypoallergenic baby formulas.

More than half of the tested formulas contained "potentially concerning levels" of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and PFAS.

Eight out of 23 liquid baby formulas evaluated were either free of heavy metals or contained low levels.

Approximately 79% of the U.S. baby formula market is dominated by Abbott, Mead Johnson, and Perrigo.

A bill titled the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters, requiring infant formula makers to notify the FDA within one business day of discovering contamination.

WHERE:

United States (U.S. market for infant formula)

Michigan (location of Sen. Gary Peters)

New Zealand (location of Nannycare)

Australia (location of Sprout Organic)

WHEN:

Report updated on March 3, 2026.

Investigation conducted in 2025.

Bill passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in January 2026.

WHY:

The presence of heavy metals in baby formulas is attributed to environmental pollution and process contamination.

Companies argue that trace levels of heavy metals occur naturally in the environment and food supply.

HOW:

Consumer Reports conducted testing for heavy metals in baby formulas.

Companies like Abbott and Mead Johnson employ stringent testing protocols and risk assessments for contaminants in their products.

Happy Baby Organics and Nutricia conduct over 1,000 quality tests for their formulas.

Kendal Nutricare takes extensive measures to control environmental contaminants in its products.

Consumer Reports recently tested 49 different baby formulas and found that more than half contained potentially concerning levels of heavy metals like arsenic and lead. In response to these findings, Senator Gary Peters from Michigan introduced the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act, which would require manufacturers to notify the FDA within one business day of discovering any contamination. The report, updated on March 3, 2026, highlights the need for stricter regulations in the U.S. infant formula market, which is largely dominated by companies like Abbott, Mead Johnson, and Perrigo.